Homemade Hāngi (Simplified Version)
Hāngi is a traditional Māori cooking method that uses heated stones buried in the ground to cook food. It gives a unique smoky flavor to the dishes. Today, we will show you how to make a simplified version of this delicious meal in your oven.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Homemade Hāngi is a great way to enjoy a taste of Māori culture. It’s a hearty meal that brings together meat and vegetables into one dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and cook in your oven. You can share it with family and friends for a special dinner or celebration.
How to Make Homemade Hāngi
Ingredients
- 500g lamb
- 500g chicken
- 4 potatoes, halved
- 2 sweet potatoes (kumara), chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cabbage, quartered
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Season the meat (lamb and chicken) with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Arrange the meat and vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cabbage) in a large ovenproof dish.
- Add a little water to the bottom of the dish to keep the food moist.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
- Bake for about 2 hours, checking the dish now and then to make sure it stays humid.
- Serve hot with Māori bread.
How to Serve Homemade Hāngi
You can serve your Homemade Hāngi directly from the ovenproof dish. Use a large spoon to scoop out the meat and vegetables onto plates. It’s great with a side of Māori bread to soak up the tasty juices.
How to Store Homemade Hāngi
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for a later meal. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Homemade Hāngi
- If you like more flavor, marinate the meat overnight with olive oil, salt, and thyme.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like pumpkin or onion, for a different taste.
- Keep an eye on the water level to prevent the dish from drying out while cooking.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with more vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini. You can keep the same seasoning to maintain the Hāngi flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make Hāngi without a large ovenproof dish?
Yes, you can use smaller dishes as long as they are covered tightly with aluminum foil.
2. What can I serve with Hāngi?
Māori bread is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with rice or a fresh salad.
3. How do I know when the meat is done?
The meat should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork. Use a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 75°C (165°F).
Enjoy making your Homemade Hāngi! It’s a simple way to bring a taste of New Zealand right to your kitchen.
